The former Christian Brothers Academy All-American quarterback and Syracuse native announced his decision to play football for the Orange in 2009 on Thursday.

"I called [Syracuse coach Doug Marrone] this morning to let him know my decision," Paulus said Thursday morning in a teleconference. "I love two sports and to be able to do them both at the college level is something that is pretty unique and special and I am fortunate to be able to do it."

The path back to football for Paulus has been well documented now.

After four years as the Duke basketball point guard, he began to ponder the opportunity to use a fifth year of athletic eligibility at another school.

He reportedly worked out for the Green Bay Packers and he said Thursday that he was contacted by "about two dozen schools" about the possibility of playing college football for a season.

After visits to Nebraska, Michigan and Syracuse, Paulus said his heart and gut guided him home to Syracuse.

"Syracuse is a great place and I hope that I get a chance to play and help Syracuse ... I want to come back home and make a positive impact. My objective is to help the team and help Syracuse with whatever Coach Marrone asks me to do."

Paulus said he has developed a good relationship with Marrone, but that the new Syracuse coach has not made him any guarantees about playing time or a starting job.

A Rivals.com five-star recruit in both football and basketball out of high school, Paulus concluded his Duke basketball career this year with career averages of 8.6 points and 3.4 assists.